Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks will be sectioned and stained for immunohistochemistry

One slide will be prepared from the skin block to evaluate the presence of solar elastosis in relation to UV exposure

Enrollment:

100

Study Start Date:

January 2009

Estimated Study Completion Date:

December 2015

Primary Completion Date:

August 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)

Detailed Description:

It is well established that ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure is related to the development of melanoma. There is also evidence that immune reactions are altered after UV exposure in the skin (locally) and perhaps throughout the body (systemically). Additionally, while the role of vitamin D and melanoma development has not been fully established, UV-B exposure is essential for vitamin D production in the skin. Increased sun exposure is also related to the presence of solar elastosis, which might protect (1) or improve survival from melanoma. Thus, melanoma represents a unique model for studying UV exposure, the immune system, and vitamin D. Malignant melanoma is an antigenic cancer; therefore, the role of UV exposure-induced immunosuppression and vitamin D production in the recognition, destruction and growth inhibition of cancerous melanocytes is worth further study.

To underscore the importance of this project, the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Melanoma Research Foundation and the Steering Committee of the Society of Melanoma Research have indicated a need to collect more human data on the host immune response mechanisms in melanoma and also to focus on the skin as a whole microenvironment, moving away from only in vitro experiments.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 95 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Sampling Method:

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients who have recieved interferon or IL-2 therapy.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Resident of New Mexico

Age between the 1 and 95

Newly diagnosed with cutaneous invasive melanoma; any stage permitted (ICDO C44.0-9) between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011.

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00996827